On Thursday, Aug. 22, New York Times best-selling author William Kent Krueger will sign his latest novel, “Tamarack County,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Turtle Town Books & Gifts, Nisswa.

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With “Tamarack County,” Krueger returns to his featured character, Cork O’Connor, and Aurora, Minn., where the wife of an aged judge has just gone missing. It’s December, and in the frozen tundra clues are hard to find.

Cork’s children, now grown up, are all at home and are featured heavily in the novel. Cork is so much more than a one-dimensional investigator. In one poignant moment he cradles his sleeping grandchild in his arms and feels the loneliness of a man whose children have outgrown him.

Krueger’s characters are not typical of the mystery genre, but are fully fleshed out people, totally recognizable to anyone who has lived in a small town. Many of his characters have been knocked around by life and are still struggling with personal demons, yet reveal an inner core of kindness and decency.

Henry Meloux, Cork’s Ojibwe mentor and the source of spirituality in Krueger’s books, is largely absent. However, he warns the O’Connor family that he has had a vision of an evil presence watching over their home.

Stephen, Cork’s 17-year-old son, shares Henry’s vision and seems to be on his own, sometimes dangerous, spiritual journey. Krueger fans have come to expect a compelling page-turner, and “Tamarack County” is certainly that and more.

Last March Krueger released “Ordinary Grace,” a departure from his Cork O’Connor mysteries. It won him the 2013 Midwest Booksellers Choice Award for Fiction, to be presented this fall in St. Paul.

Krueger lives in St. Paul with his wife.

To ensure you get a copy of “Tamarack County” for the signing, call Turtle Town at 218-963-4891 by Monday, Aug. 19.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.